PCB Chairman dismisses reports of rift in Pakistan team

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Shehryar Khan has dismissed reports of any rift or groups within the Pakistan cricket team as it struggles in the World Cup.

Khan spoke with reporters here on Monday and emphasised that team skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, coach Waqar Younis and the entire team management had admitted their shame over the team’s performance in the first two matches. “No one will be made the scapegoat over the losses.”

“PCB fully supports the team and management,” Khan said. According to the PCB chairman people were disappointed that the team did not fight while a psychological expert had informed him that the team was playing in fear.

Shehryar Khan further said the team had expressed confidence following a meeting in Brisbane and he was hopeful that they would be victorious against minnows Zimbabwe and UAE.

Pakistan’s team management called off the practice session on Monday to addresses issuers over players’ morale and performance. The management asked players to forget the past matches and live up to expectations by concentrating on the team’s remaining games.

When asked about Moin Khan, the PCB chairman replied that he (Moin) had visited the casino. Shehryar Khan added that Moin Khan said he had gone to the casino two days prior to the West Indies match to eat there.

“I will make a decision after all the facts are investigated...it will not be right to have Moin return before the investigation is complete.”